Top dog-friendly beaches in the UK

Dogs love frolicking around at the beach, but while many beaches around the UK allow dogs during the winter months between October and April, it can be a different story in the summer.

To avoid a wasted trip with your pooch, double check where the best dog friendly beaches are located and any restrictions they may have first.

According to thebeachguide.co.uk[i] Cornwall has the largest number of dog friendly beaches in England, with 51 beaches where dogs are allowed, followed by Devon with 35 and Dorset with 23.

In Scotland, it’s Grampian with 17 and the Highlands with 16 beaches that allow dogs, in Wales those holidaying in Dyfed will find 58 dog-friendly beaches and in Anglesey 30, and in Northern Ireland County Down has the highest number of dog friendly beaches with six.

Here are five of our favourite dog friendly beaches:

Hive beach, Dorset -Located just up the road from West Bay, famed as the location for ITV’s Broadchurch, is Hive beach, complete with the award winning, dog-friendly Hive Beach Café. Between June and September there are some dog restrictions, but those with dogs could drive a few miles west to Cogden beach, which welcomes dogs all year round.

Troon beach, Ayrshire – Located on the south west coast of Scotland is Troon beach, a stunning sandy beach that offers fantastic views across to the Isle of Arran. This beach no longer has restrictions during the summer months, so you and your dog can enjoy a walk here year-round.

Westward Ho! Devon - This beach in North Devon offers miles and miles of open sand and shallow waters your dog can enjoy paddling in. There are some restrictions on dogs on the beach during the summer months, however, there is a large area of beach they can still go as well as a grassy area known locally as ‘The Burrows’.

Danes Dyke – Yorkshire- The Yorkshire Dales are a dog walker’s paradise, but there are also some excellent dog-friendly beaches in this region too. One of these is Danes Dyke, near Flamborough, which is part of a Nature Reserve and offers both woodland trails and beach areas to explore. Dogs are allowed year-round.

Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire - Milford-on-Sea is one of the few all-year-round dog friendly beaches in Hampshire and is a long shingle beach, with low cliffs and a colourful line of beach huts. It is bordered by the New Forest on one side and Christchurch Harbour at the other and is one of the last remaining seaside villages in Hampshire.

Remember, if you decide to travel to a beach or any other places to walk your dog, go prepared, especially in hot weather. Most dog friendly beaches will provide some facilities including waste bins for getting rid of poop, so make sure you are a responsible owner/homesitter and always ensure you pick up any mess they make.

Beachfront cafes and bars often provide water bowls – but remember to bring your own fresh water and bowl. Your dog will need it after all that running around and tasting salty sea water!